It is very important to protect yourself while away from home. These travel safety tips will help people, from first-time travelers to savvy travelers, stay safe on their travels.
Research the destination
You should never be uncertain about whether your chosen destination is safe or not. Research the safety of your intended destination. Information in the websites of departments related to foreign affairs will help you in this.
Plan Ahead
Plan ahead, especially if you are traveling during winter months. It is advisable take known routes. Websites like TripCheck.com provide information on road and weather conditions.
Travel light
If you are wheeling three suitcases along the sidewalk outside the airport or railway station, you are likely to be the target of crooks, scammers and thieves. Pack light. It enables you to embrace the chaos of travel.
Do Not Exchange Your Money At the Airport
Savvy travelers avoid exchanging their money at airport currency exchange counters because they know that it is a recipe for disaster. In many countries currency exchange counters are located outside the terminal, in full view of general public.
Use Technology
If you are on a road trip in your car, make the most of technology. Today's cars are equipped with driver assist technologies, which are helpful in keeping you focused and safe.
Before hitting the road, get to know your car’s tech safety features.... Vehicles like the 2019 Ford Edge have adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning and brake support, so you can tackle a long road trip with the ease of setting cruise control but having safety enhancements that make it easy to quickly brake if needed.
— Cristina Rodriguez, vehicle dynamics engineer and DAT program supervisor at FordProtect your valuables
Get your valuables insured before leaving. One good rule of thumb is to act like a squirrel: Hide your valuables in different places, not all in one stash. Keep valuables (like expensive cameras) with you at all times.
Make two copies of your passport; one for someone back at home and one to carry with you. If you lose your passport, replacing it is easier if you have a copy on hand. Leave your passport in your hotel room safe deposit box.
In more than 20 years of traveling, I have never heard of anyone whose passport was stolen from their hotel room. I have heard myriad stories of passports lost or stolen on the street.
— Matthew Bradley, Regional Security Director of Americas for International SOSAvoid Ground Floor Rooms
"“Don’t accept a room on the ground floor if you can avoid it.... Many safety experts recommend staying somewhere between the third and sixth floors — where rooms are high enough to be difficult to break into, but not so high that they’re out of the reach of most fire engine ladders,” writes Sarah Schlichter, Senior Editor, SmarterTravel.
Public WiFi
Free public WiFi is definitely convenient, but security is an issue. Avoid airport honeypot rogue WiFi networks. If at all you have to use public WiFi, practice good internet hygiene. Use the right network. Avoid questionable ones like “Free Wi-Fi Here!” or “Absolutely Free Internet!”
Travel in vehicles that are in good condition
According to WHO, "motor vehicle crashes" is the topmost cause of death of US citizens abroad. Always travel in a vehicle that is in good condition, with working seat belts. Research the safety records of bus and train companies you intend to use. Do not use less-safe vehicles like auto rickshaws.
Get an international SIM card
An international SIM card enables you to stay in touch with your loved ones back home. Provide at least one of your friends or parents with an itinerary of where you will be and when. Also, it is advisable to use a cheap, disposable cell phone during your travels.
Carry your backpack in front
If you are confident, you may wear your backpack in front. It is safer.
Watch Your Drink
If you are traveling alone, beware of date r*pe drugs or drug-facilitated sexual assault. Watch as your drink is being served. Never leave your drink unattended.
Display Health Information On Your Cell Phone
Some apps, like Medical ID app, allow you to display your health information (like allergies) on your lock screen, so doctors can see them even without your password. This is particularly useful if you are traveling alone.
Do Not Hitchhike
There is definitely an element of risk in hitchhiking. Unfortunately there are people in the world who are capable of doing terrible things. It is always advisable to use public transport.
Be Alert
Crooks like pickpockets usually create a diversion to distract you from what they are actually doing. Whenever you are watching a street performance, are bumped into, or ever approached by a stranger on the street, be aware of where your valuables are and keep them secure.
Stay Safe While Flying
Ensure that your electronic gadgets are in good condition. Wear clothes that are made of breathable cotton. Your clothing should enable you to move around easily and quickly. Watch the safety video with complete attention. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. Treat airline staff with respect. Avoid unnecessary arguments with people around you.
Things That Should Be in Your Travel Medical Kit
OTC medicines for common problems like headache
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Prescription medicines that you use daily
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Antiseptic wipes
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Antibiotics to prevent infection
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Digital thermometer
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Insect repellent
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Sunscreen lotion
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